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Post by gibsonj on Apr 26, 2010 12:54:55 GMT -5
I know that a number of "aftermarket" companies offered adapters allowing lateral cut records to be played on DDs. Since the lateral cut record grooves "pulled" the reproducer along, what is the effect of the DD mechanical reproducer movement to sound quality? Were you supposed to not engage the mechanical reproducer movement when playing lateral cut records? Was there a right or wrong way to position the needle for lateral cut record playing? It seems that most adapters I've seen were manufactured with a pre-determined angle for the needle. But, occasionally, I see an adapter that has an adjustment for the swing of the reproducer head, and I wonder what that adjustment was for.
Has anyone had better sound quality experience with any particular manufacturer adapter and/or reproducer? I've been told that Victor Exhibitions are good.
Generally, is the use of DDs for lateral cut record playing a good or bad idea? I know Edison himself didn't promote it, but his was probably a competition conflict, although I know he also strongly felt "hill and dale" superior to lateral cut for sound quality.
Thanks for your perspectives and comments!
John
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Post by maroongem on Apr 26, 2010 17:34:52 GMT -5
John,
I've used a "Kent" adapter on my DD machines for years w/o any problems. At their inception, they had a soundbox that was offered with the adapter, but were sued (surprise) and later offered just the adapter. They work well with the Exhibition as well as the later No.2 that was offered by Victor. I usually set the tone arm w/adapter half way and let the soundbox track the record w/o using the feedscrew.
There is enough joints in the Kent to play adequately.
Edison originally offered an adapter for his DD machines (ca.1914) but they were short lived due to them apparently cutting into sales of DDs.
The Edison offered adapters are rare and look markedly different than others that were offered.
Bill
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Post by matty on Apr 27, 2010 1:02:44 GMT -5
I also favor my Kent adapter- The Kentone No.2.
The Kentone uses far less pot metal in it's construction than the other brands, and all the joins are well sealed, unlike say the Jewel or Oro-tone which relies on a ball & socket joint to swivel, and doesn't have an airtight seal.
I do however use all my adapters as per the instructions that come with them, and allow the feed to engage, but I haven't noticed any record wear or deterioration of sound quality by doing so.
I cant say I've ever owned (or noticed) an adapter capable of adjusting the swing, so I can't really comment on that, but the Oro-Tone does have a height adjustment screw that simply allows you to alter it's clearance of the turntable when you swing the soundbox over to play.
I use a Paillard soundbox that is basically an exact copy of the Victor No.4 except the diaphragm is 1/8" bigger, for a bit more volume & because it can handle even the late electric recordings from the 40's and 50's, but still sounds great with early acoustics.
I have to admit I'm a bit anti-Exhibition soundbox for playing anything but my earliest records.
Personally, I think the Exhibition (that was designed in 1903) does a pretty poor job on most records from the teens & 20's, compared to many others that can be bought for 1/4 of the price & perform just as well, if not better.
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Post by maroongem on Apr 27, 2010 8:37:01 GMT -5
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Post by gibsonj on Apr 27, 2010 12:02:51 GMT -5
Thanks, guys. This is good stuff. I happened on an adapter recently that is all nickel-plated brass, and has two joints that allow for both vertical and horizontal movement. It was fitted with a Columbia reproducer, that appeared similar to the early Graphonola soundbox. I'd never seen one quite like it, but wondered about why the extra engineering/flexibility was there. Of course, there was no instruction sheet with it. Wish I had tried to buy it now.
John
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Post by maroongem on Apr 27, 2010 21:52:50 GMT -5
John,
Take heart. The adapters come up frequently and aren't overly pricey.
What finish are you looking for? I redid your Reproducer for your A-200 so I can assume a gold finish?
Bill
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Post by gibsonj on Apr 29, 2010 8:12:11 GMT -5
Bill
Yes, gold finish would be preferable. I also have a C-250 that has the antique bronze finish on the hardware, but I've never seen adapters in that finish.
John
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Post by nefaurora on Sept 20, 2010 22:38:32 GMT -5
Where can I get an adapter for my C-19 ?? Goldtone finish. E-mail: NEFaurora@aol.com Thanks, Tony K.
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Post by gibsonj on Sept 22, 2010 8:34:07 GMT -5
Nefaurora
I've won a couple of adapters on Ebay at prices not too bad--around $75-80 including soundboxes. They show up there fairly frequently. Try to look for one that has little or no pot metal--it doesn't age well, will crumble, crack, and break easily. Nickel plated adapters seem to show up more often than gold plated.
Another option is to look for antique phonograph shows in your area, where there are always lots of parts for sale. Of course, the big shows happen every year in Wayne, NJ; Orlando, FL; and Union, IL.
Good luck!
John
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Bill
New Member
Posts: 16
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Post by Bill on Sept 23, 2010 22:57:27 GMT -5
Some pix of 2 Kent adapters, one with a Victor #2 soundbox and another with the soundbox that was originally offered by Kent. Nickel and goldplated adapters w/ soundbox attached I've got one exactly like the bottom one in the photo. It came with my machine (which I've only had a week or two). I haven't tried it yet though. |
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